Hierarchy of Mathematical Operations:

Mathematical operations like as addition, subtraction, multiplication, & division are commonly performed within a certain order or sequence.  Classically, multiplication and division operations are done prior to addition and subtraction operations.  Further mathematical operations are also commonly performed from left to right using this heirarchy. The use of parentheses is also general to set apart operations that should be performed in a particular sequence.

Example:

Perform the subsequent mathematical operations to solve for the correct answer:

(2 + 3) + (2 x 4) + (   (6 + 2)/2) = ________

Solution:

a. Mathematical operations are classically performed going from left to right inside an equation and within sets of parentheses.

b. Perform all math operations within the sets of parentheses first.

2 + 3 = 5

2 x 4 = 8

6 + 2/2 =8/ 2 = 4 Remember that the addition of 6 and 2 was performed prior to dividing by 2.

c. Perform all math operations outside of the parentheses.  In that case, add from left to right.

5 + 8 + 4 = 17